Retainers

• Do Houston Braces Permanently Straighten Your Teeth?

  Most patients who undergo dental braces treatment mistakenly believe that once the braces are off, there’s nothing else to do besides show off that new smile for the rest of their life. You can get to that point, but only when some extra measures are taken.

  Remember That Your Teeth Can Still Shift After Houston Braces Treatment Is Complete

  Dental braces–whether in the form of metal dental braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign–work because they are constantly applying pressure to your teeth and pushing them in the direction they need to go in order to become straight. When your dental braces come off, your teeth no longer have that pressure guiding them, which means they can shift and undo all the work your investment did.

  Aside from natural shifting, there are some situations that can otherwise contribute to your teeth becoming crooked again, such as:

  • Teeth grinding
    • A condition in which many of our South Houston family dentist patients may grind their teeth or clench them tightly. Over time, this will cause your teeth to become crooked again. Some retainers help prevent this, but otherwise, a nightguard can help as well.
  • Wisdom Teeth
    • Wisdom tooth removal is very common these days. Wisdom teeth are extra teeth that a patient may have which, if not removed, will start to crowd the teeth and force their way above the gum line, which will push all your other teeth in different directions.

  Protect Your Teeth After Houston Braces

  In order to make certain the time and money you invested in wearing Houston braces wasn’t all for naught, we ask that you wear orthodontic retainers. Usually, we will recommend our South Houston family dentist patients wear retainers 24/7 for about a year, with the exception of meal times and brushing your teeth. This is because it takes roughly a year for your teeth to settle into the soft tissues in your mouth. By settling into the tissues of your mouth, this will help your teeth preserve their new alignment. 

  Different Retainers For Different South Houston Braces Patients

  At our South Houston family dentist office, we know that every patient and every bite is different. Depending on your particular case, we may recommend bonded retainers, traditional wire retainers, or transparent plastic orthodontic retainers. If you are nearing the end of your Houston braces treatment, please book an appointment with us so we can get you fitted for a retainer that will keep your smile straight and healthy.

• Do You Need To Clean Your Orthodontic Retainers?

  After Houston braces, our patients have to wear orthodontic retainers in order to retain the new alignment of their teeth. There are several kinds of retainers available, each with different pros and cons. However, they all have one thing in common besides protecting your teeth from shifting again: they need to be cleaned. 

  Why Your Retainers Should Be Cleaned

  Because retainers are worn in your mouth after Houston braces, they can easily collect whatever is on your teeth, such as plaque, bacteria, and tartar. If you aren’t adamant about cleaning your orthodontic retainers, they may start to smell or taste really bad, which is unpleasant for you and may steer you away from wearing your retainers responsibly.

  Bacteria are usually found in our mouths, which is why we have to keep them clean, but if illness-causing bacteria such as streptococcus is left to accumulate on your retainers, you may get sick with an infection.

  How Should Retainers Be Cleaned?

  Because every type of retainer is made of different materials, how you clean them will depend on this. However, here are some general tips and rules of thumb for each type.

  Traditional Hawley Retainer and Transparent Removable Retainers

  Brush your Hawley retainer or transparent retainer with lukewarm water after every meal with a soft toothbrush and be sure to brush your teeth as well, especially if you are in your first year after Houston braces. By brushing your teeth after every meal, you are ensuring no food particles get stuck in between your teeth and prevent your retainers from doing their job.

  Consider asking our South Houston dentist at your next appointment if soaking your retainers in a special cleaning solution is an option. There are multiple options available, but we can recommend what works best for your retainers. We can also discuss how long you should soak them for, as you don’t want to soak them too long. Soaking Hawley retainers for too long may corrode the metal.

  Bonded Permanent Retainers

  Flossing is the best way to clean your bonded retainers, as they are fused to the teeth, so they cannot be removed and separately scrubbed. By flossing correctly, you will slide the thread between your teeth and around your bonded retainers. Our South Houston dentist will be more than happy to teach you the proper flossing technique. 

  Visit Our South Houston Dentist To Learn More About Proper Retainer Care

  If you are about to wear retainers or have been wearing them for some time, please book an appointment with us so we can check that you are taking proper care of your teeth and ensure that they have not shifted. We will help get you back on track to beautiful, straight teeth.

   

• Does Every Houston Braces Patient Need a Retainer?

  Getting your Houston braces removed after a significant amount of time wearing them is in itself a reward. Doing so allows you to fully appreciate the improvement your Houston family dentist has done on your pearly whites. Our helpful and caring staff are familiar with the glowing smile radiating from patients who have just had their Houston braces removed. However, your treatment is not yet over because you will most probably have to wear a retainer. In this article, our top-rated Houston dentist will discuss why Houston braces patients need to wear a retainer after their treatment.

  How Houston Braces Work?

  As you probably may well know, your Houston braces work by applying constant force to your teeth and jaw to slowly coax them into the desired position. These forces are applied to your teeth through brackets that are glued to them and the archwire that are tethered to the brackets. As your braces move your teeth, your top-rated Houston family dentist performs regular adjustment to get your teeth to move to the target position.

  We think of teeth and jaws as fairly fixed parts of our mouth and are quite immovable. So how do your teeth move during a Houston braces treatment? Your teeth are attached to your jaw through your gums and fibrous ligaments. The gums and fibrous ligaments are what is being acted upon by the forces coming from your Houston ceramic braces.

  What Does a Retainer Do After Houston Braces?

  During the treatment, the gums and fibrous ligaments that hold your teeth become loose. When the braces are removed, the gums don’t tighten for a while so they offer no resistance to your teeth moving around. This is why almost all patients who have undergone a Houston Braces treatment will have to wear a retainer.

  The length of time you will need to wear a retainer after your Houston metal braces treatment will vary depending on your Houston family dentist’s assessment of your situation but it is typically for several months to a year or longer. Wearing a retainer will help your teeth keep their new positions. Retainers help prevent this from happening by holding your teeth in place until your gums and fibrous ligaments stabilize and adapt to the new tooth positions.

  When It Comes to Houston Braces, Work Only with the Top-Rated Dentists

  Here at Centra Dental, we believe that everyone deserves to have a smile they are proud to wear. That is why we have come up with a wide range of dental services that can cater to the specific needs of their customers. We have pooled top-rated general and family dentistry practitioners to provide the highest quality of dental care. We have assembled a team of helpful and caring staff to guarantee that your visits to our clinic are pleasant and stress-free. Call us now and let us help you embrace your smile.

• Does Every South Houston Braces Patient Need to Use Retainers?

  Retainers are an effective way to maintain your new and improved smile after getting South Houston braces. Many patients ask if they’re required to wear retainers after their orthodontic treatment. The answer is yes. Whether the patient is a child or adult, retainers are an essential part to getting your ideal set of teeth.

  Why Do I Need Retainers After Braces?

  After your South Houston bracesare removed, your teeth have not yet fully set in. Your gums and ligaments that hold your teeth together are still tender for months and even years after braces. This means that your teeth could easily realign and go back to their old position before braces. To prevent your teeth from moving, retainers are a necessity. If you don’t wear retainers, you could lose the beautiful new smile that you waited so long for.

  How Long Should I Wear Retainers?

  The length of time you should wear your retainers is usually relative to how long you wore South Houston braces for. In other words, patients who wore braces longer may need to wear retainers longer than others with short treatments. Your South Houston dentist will determine how long to wear your retainers. This can last anywhere between 4 months to 2 years—or even more in serious cases. 

  What Are the Types of Retainers?

  There are two types of retainers for your orthodontic treatment. The first type is the permanent or fixed retainer, which is a thin wire installed in the back of your teeth. As the name suggests, this type of retainer cannot be removed by the patient. The other type is a removable retainer made of clear, molded plastic. Your dentist may require you to come in for regular visits to adjust your removable retainer. The advantage of it is that you can take it off when eating and taking pictures,

  How to Care for My Retainers?

  Since retainers are inside your mouth at all times, bacteria and plaque can build up on them. Retainer care is important for your oral health. Just like brushing your teeth, you must clean your retainers twice a day. Take out your retainers and rinse them with warm water. Use liquid soap and a brush or cloth to clean all the nooks and corners of your retainers before rinsing them. Be careful not to eat anything too hard or sticky when wearing your retainers so that you don’t damage them.

  Schedule a Visit for South Houston Braces Today

  Looking for a dental clinic where you can get quality South Houston braces treatment? At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated dentist performs all vital services, such as teeth cleaning, fillings, and crowns. We have a clean and safe facility where we sanitize all our equipment thoroughly. Surgically clean air circulates our clinic the entire time. Why Centra Dental? We strive to give you the best dental experience possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

• Hawley Retainer vs Clear Retainer

  After you’ve finished your treatment with Houston braces or Invisalign, your South Houston dentist will next prescribe the use of retainers to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their previous location. At first, they will likely need to be worn 24/7, but after your teeth have settled, they can be worn only while you sleep. Two of the most common types of retainers used by patients after their dental braces come off are the Hawley retainer and clear retainers. Both are effective designs whose costs are roughly the same, with the final price depending on the specific case. As you will see below, each type of retainer has its pros and cons. It’s best to consult with your South Houston dentist which is best for your specific needs once you’ve completed your Houston braces treatment.

  Why A South Houston Dentist Would Recommend a Hawley Retainer

  The Hawley retainer, being an older type that has been in common use for a long time, is easily recognizable by the single metal wire that runs across the front of the patient’s teeth when worn. That metal wire is attached to a plastic or acrylic piece that is custom molded to fit either the roof of your mouth or along the bottom of your lower teeth. This design allows your upper and lower teeth to naturally come into contact with one another. You can also ask your South Houston dentist to make slight adjustments to the fit of a Hawley retainer should the need arise. A Hawley retainer can last for years with proper care, and can even be repaired when damaged. 

  Cons of Wearing a Hawley Retainer After Houston Braces

  The potential disadvantages of the Hawley retainer include an adjustment period with the exposed wire component, as it may irritate your inner cheeks and lips at the beginning. The wire also makes it more noticeable than clear retainers. Lastly, Hawley retainers may affect your ability to speak, especially in the beginning. However, these are all short-term concerns.

  Why A South Houston Dentist Would Recommend a Clear Retainer

  Clear plastic retainers, in contrast, are almost invisible. They are molded to fit the exact new position of your teeth. Because of their perfect fit, clear retainers are less bulky and therefore less likely to affect how you speak. These two advantages make them more likely to be worn consistently by patients, in turn improving the clear retainer’s overall effectiveness.

  Cons of Wearing a Hawley Retainer After Houston Braces

  However, clear retainers do come with their own disadvantages. First of all, because they are worn over the teeth, they prevent your top and bottom teeth from having natural contact with one another. Further, should the need arise, your South Houston dentist cannot realign or readjust your clear retainers. They also cannot be repaired. If their fit is uncomfortable or if they become damaged in any way, they will need to be replaced entirely. Another thing to consider is that as you use them, clear retainers may become discolored over time, making them more visible to other people. Another thing to look out for is that their closed design might trap liquids and food particles against your teeth, which increases the risk of forming cavities. However, if you take proper care of your clear retainers, most of these issues can be avoided.

  Houston Braces and Retainers From the South Houston Dentist You Can Rely On

  At Centra Dental, we’re challenging the idea that visits to your South Houston dentist are something to dread. Our staff is dedicated to making each appointment a relaxing and stress-free occasion. We also accept most PDP, DPPO, and PPO dental insurance plans, as well as CHIP and both Adult and Children's Medicaid, making us your trusted source for affordable dental braces and retainers. Contact us today and let’s book an appointment at your next earliest convenience!

• How To Care For A Hawley Retainer After Houston Braces

  If you’re near the end of your Houston braces treatment, then our South Houston family dentists have probably already spoken to you about why you must wear an orthodontic retainer after your Houston braces treatment. There are multiple types of orthodontic retainers available to patients, and which we recommend to you will depend on your particular case. The most common type of orthodontic retainer is the Hawley retainer–sometimes called a wire retainer. In this article, we will discuss how to wear your Hawley wire retainer and take care of it.

  What Is A Hawley Retainer?

  Hawley retainers–also referred to as removable retainers or wire retainers–are made up of two components:

  • Acrylic Base: This base is custom shaped to fit the roof of your mouth and behind your lower teeth. Patients can pick what color they want their base to be.
  • Metal Wire: The wire component runs across your teeth, similar to the archwire of your South Houston metal braces or South Houston ceramic braces.

  Together, these retainers hold your teeth in place while your teeth settle in the soft tissues of your mouth. How long you wear your retainers will depend on your particular case, but our South Houston family dentist often recommends you wear them 24/7 for 6 months to a year (with the exception of mealtimes) and then only at night afterward.

  Taking Care Of Your Wired Retainer After Houston Braces Treatment At Our South Houston Dentist Office

  Much like how you have to take care of your teeth while wearing braces in order to enjoy the best results, you also have to take care of your retainers. Here’s how.

  Brushing Your Removable Retainers

  Brush your Hawley retainer with lukewarm water after every meal with a soft toothbrush. You don’t need to use toothpaste, as this can damage the acrylic, but do be sure to gently scrub it,

  Soak Your Hawley Retainer

  At your next appointment with our South Houston family dentist, ask if soaking your retainers in a special cleaning solution is an option. We can recommend what works best for your retainers and the best way to do so.

  Our South Houston Family Dentist Will Determine If Hawley Retainers Are Right For You

  As you near the end of your Houston braces treatment, please book an appointment with our South Houston family dentist so we can take impressions of your teeth. Following the impressions, we will send them to our lab to make your retainers. If we determine that Hawley retainers are right for you, we will have them made and provide you with detailed instructions on how to wear them.

• Properly Wearing Your Retainers After Houston Braces

  After Houston braces, our patients have to wear orthodontic appliances known as retainers in order to maintain the new alignment of their teeth. There are several types of retainers available, each with different pros and cons. However, they all have one thing in common besides protecting your teeth from shifting again: they need to be worn properly in order to maximize their effectiveness. When you wear your retainers and take proper care of them, your teeth will be straight and healthy for years and years to come!

  Wearing Your Retainers As Instructed

  We understand that wearing retainers after finishing Houston braces treatment is quite the dread, but it is absolutely critical if you want to enjoy your brand new smile for years to come. Otherwise, your teeth will quickly go back to their old, misaligned position. We typically recommend that our patients at our Houston and South Houston family dentist offices wear their retainers for 24 hours a day (except when eating) for at least 6 months to a year. However, this will depend on the individual. Once this initial time period is over, you should wear your retainers every night while you sleep.

  Cleaning Your Orthodontic Retainers

  There are different types of retainers available to our patients. Much like our Houston braces, which type we recommend to you depends on your particular case. Since you spend much of your time wearing your retainers in the first phase, they will collect whatever is on your teeth, including bacteria, plaque, and tartar. If illness-causing bacteria such as streptococcus is left to accumulate on your retainers, you may get sick with an infection, so it is imperative you clean them every day. 

  Traditional Hawley retainers and transparent removable retainers may be brushed with a soft-bristle toothbrush after each meal. You may also be able to soak your retainers in a cleaning solution, but be sure to ask us for recommendations so you’re keeping your retainers in tip-top condition. We can also discuss how long you should soak them for, as you don’t want to soak them too long. Soaking Hawley retainers for too long may corrode the metal components.

  Bonded retainers, on the other hand, are best cleaned by flossing them when you floss your teeth since this type of retainer is glued to the back of your teeth. Our Houston and South Houston family dentists will be more than happy to teach you the proper flossing technique as well.

  Visit Our Family Dentist In Houston And South Houston To Learn About Proper Retainer Care

  If you are about to wear retainers or have been wearing them for some time, then please book an appointment with us so we can check on your alignment and assess how well you are taking care of your teeth. We will help keep your perfect smile for years to come!

• Pros and Cons of Bonded Orthodontic Retainers After Houston Braces

  As you approach the end of your Houston braces treatment, whether you’ve been wearing metal Houston braces, ceramic dental braces, or Invisalign, we’ll have a conversation about how to maintain your new smile with a retainer. There are different types of orthodontic retainers and we’ve previously talked about traditional removable retainers known as Hawley retainers. This time, we’ll discuss the less common bonded retainers.

  What Are Bonded Retainers

  Bonded retainers are permanent retainers made of wire that is shaped to fit the new alignment of your teeth. Similar to metal or ceramic Houston braces, they are cemented to your teeth with a dental-grade glue, except instead of being on the front of your teeth, these retainers are glued behind your teeth. Many family dentists or orthodontists around the country tend to bond them behind your lower teeth only, and they can only be removed by a dentist or orthodontist. 

  Although rare, our South Houston dentist will only recommend a bonded retainer following Houston braces treatment if the patient won’t follow our guidelines on how to properly wear a removable retainer.

  Pros and Cons of Wearing Permanent Bonded Retainers After Houston Braces Treatment

  Much like how ceramic braces, metal dental braces, and Houston Invisalign Clear Aligners each has positives and negatives, retainers do as well.

  Pros of Bonded Retainers

  • Bonded retainers are a worry-free method for keeping your teeth straight because you don’t have to abide by a certain schedule, which means you don’t run the risk of making your teeth crooked or separate again.
  • No one can tell you’re wearing a permanent retainer, so there is no need to feel self-conscious about it
  • Wearing a permanent retainer doesn’t affect your speech, which is common with other types of retainers.

  Cons of Wearing Permanent Retainers

  • Flossing is harder when wearing a bonded retainer because it gets in the way of the string. This causes plaque build-up and possibly gum disease
  • The metal might irritate your tongue or gums

  Our South Houston Family Dentist Will Determine if a Bonded Retainer is Right For You

  As you or your child near the end of Houston braces treatment, please book an appointment with our South Houston dentist so we can take your needs into account, decide if a permanent retainer is a good idea for your particular case, and have your retainers made. We look forward to giving you a smile you can enjoy for the rest of your life.

• Pros and Cons of Clear Retainers After Houston Braces Treatment

  We’ve previously discussed how bonded retainers work and how traditional wire retainers work following Houston braces treatment. Retainers are a must after dental braces treatment because they keep your teeth in their new alignment while the teeth settle into the soft tissues. This process helps ensure the teeth remain straight and properly aligned for longer. If a patient doesn’t wear their retainers as our South Houston family dentist instructed them to, then it is much more likely that their teeth will separate again and go back to their previous alignment. Here is what translucent retainers are like.

  What Are Clear Retainers

  Clear retainers are very similar to Invisalign clear aligners, except the retainers don’t shift the teeth. These retainers are created by taking a mold of your new, perfect smile so that when you wear the retainers, they help retain the position of your teeth. These retainers are removable as well.

  Clear plastic retainers are more common than bonded retainers, but they aren’t as common as traditional Hawley (wire) retainers. However they are still a great option for our patients if we determine that their teeth may benefit from this type.

  Pros and Cons of Wearing Clear Retainers

  Taking care of your teeth after you’ve completed your metal dental braces treatment, ceramic dental braces treatment, or Houston Invisalign treatment is key to wearing a healthier smile for longer. 

  Pros of Clear Retainers:

  • Clear plastic retainers are nearly invisible, so patients won’t feel as awkward or self-conscious and may be more inclined to wear their retainers as directed
  • These retainers are often more comfortable than Hawley retainers
  • Because the plastic is so lightweight, your speech won’t be as affected as it can be with traditional wire retainers

  Cons of Clear Retainers:

  • They cannot be readjusted or repaired; they can only be replaced
  • If exposed to excessive heat, clear retainers can warp in shape, therefore making it impossible to fit your teeth again
  • Over time, clear aligners can become discolored
  • If you don’t adhere to our recommendations for proper hygiene, then they can easily trap liquid or foods and result in cavities

  Our South Houston Dentist Can Determine If Clear Retainers Are Suitable For Your Particular Case

  If you or your child are finishing up with Houston braces treatment, then it’s time to discuss orthodontic retainers and which will work best for you. Please book an appointment with our South Houston Family Dentist so we can assess the progress on your teeth and determine what will best retain your new smile.

• The Importance Of Retainers After Houston Braces

  Approaching the end of your Houston braces treatment is an exciting feeling because you will be able to show off a gorgeous smile really soon! However, giving you a new smile doesn’t just finish there. In fact, once your treatment is completed, you will have to switch to wearing orthodontic retainers for an extended period of time, but don’t worry–they are more flexible than dental braces. In this article, we will explain the importance of wearing retainers after your Houston braces treatment.

  Your Teeth Will Tend To Shift Again

  Both children and adults who wear braces will experience this. This occurs because the teeth haven’t had a chance to fully settle into the soft tissues of your mouth. Remember that, for at least an entire year, your teeth have been 100% reliant on metal, ceramic, or even plastic from your Invisalign Clear Aligners in order to hold them in place. To mitigate this and let them settle into their new alignment, you should wear your retainers day and night for at least a year, but this will also depend on the individual’s case.

  Retainers Protect Your Investment

  Wearing retainers after completing your Invisalign, metal, or ceramic Houston braces treatment is a sure way to make your investment in your smile well worth it. As we age, our teeth naturally try to shift again, and as frustrating as this is, remember that your dental braces prevented (or got rid of) some serious complications with your dental health. By diligently wearing your retainers day and night and then transitioning to only wearing them most nights, you will strengthen your teeth so they remain straight and healthy for years and years to come. You might even get to enjoy your new, perfectly aligned smile for the rest of your life.

  Get Fitted For Retainers at Centra Dental In Houston And South Houston

  When you’re near the end of your Houston braces treatment, please book an appointment with us so we can confirm that you’re ready for your braces to be removed soon. At this appointment, we will also take impressions of your new smile so we can fit you for your retainers and educate you and how to wear them. We can’t wait to embrace your smile!

• What Happens After You Get Your South Houston Braces Off? Tips on Maintaining Your New Smile

  Getting your braces removed after months or even years of sacrifice is an exciting feeling. Finally, your new and improved smile is ready to make its debut. But your orthodontic journey isn’t over just because your South Houston braces are off; aftercare is another important stage. If you want your beautiful set of teeth to maintain its glory, you must stay disciplined and follow your South Houston dentist’s tips. Here are a few things you can do after removal of braces.

  Right After Removal

  Immediately after your brackets and wires have been removed, your dentist will perform a thorough cleaning to make sure no cement is left. This also ensures that no tartar or cavity develops. During the first few hours after your visit, it’s common to have slightly swollen gums and sensitive teeth. Take it easy on the first few days with the food you eat. Don’t consume hard and sticky food right away, no matter how eager you are. You might also notice discoloration on the spots where your brackets used to be—this is normal. They may fade over time, but if the discoloration still bothers you after 6 months, you can ask your South Houston family dentist about teeth whitening.

  Caring for Your Retainers

  Once your South Houston braces are removed, your teeth are still prone to movement and repositioning. To prevent a relapse, you’ll need to wear dental retainers. They can either be fixed or removable retainers, depending on your dentist’s recommendation. Some patients may need to wear retainers for less than a year, while some may need to wear it for several years. Being diligent about your retainers ensures that you maintain the corrections done on your teeth. Also remember to clean your retainers daily using soap and water or whatever your dentist instructs.

  Establishing Healthy Habits

  There’s no doubt that you should maintain good oral hygiene with or without South Houston braces. Remember to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Continue visiting your dentist twice a year for a general cleaning. You should also visit your orthodontist regularly to check on your retainers. Also be mindful of pain in your wisdom teeth because they can alter the position of the rest of your teeth.

  Schedule a Consultation for South Houston Braces Today!

  Need more information on caring for your teeth after getting your South Houston braces removed? At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles! Feel free to consult with our top-rated dentist. We offer all vital services, such as implants, root canals, fillings, South Houston Invisalign, and more. Our clean and safe facility has surgical-grade air circulating all throughout. Why visit Centra Dental? We strive to make your dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Ask us about our dental service specials and accepted insurance!

• Why Do You Need Retainers After South Houston Braces Treatment?

  It’s always exciting to get your South Houston braces removed after years of wearing them. The countless trips to your South Houston dentist have finally paid off as you showcase your new and improved smile. However, your treatment isn’t over. Retainers are important to prevent relapse of your old, misaligned teeth. After carefully removing the brackets, wires, and excess cement, your dentist will ask you to wear retainers. So why should you have to endure more months—or even years? Read on to know the importance of dental retainers.

  Prevents Shifting of Teeth in Kids and Teens

  Many of our patients who come in for South Houston braces are children and teenagers. Compared to adults, their bones have not yet fully set in and they are still developing. This means that their teeth could go back to their original state after getting braces removed. In addition, their wisdom teeth have not yet erupted. Retainers are absolutely necessary so that their teeth do not shift in position. 

  Sets in Newly Aligned Teeth

  Retainers are especially necessary for patients who had issues with spacing corrected. Overcrowding is when there is not enough space in your mouth to align your teeth. On the other hand, too much space can result in gaps in your teeth. If you had such cases treated with South Houston braces, then retainers are a must to maintain newly aligned teeth.

  Keeps Corrected Bite in Place

  Dental braces are also an effective treatment for underbites and overbites. Extra appliances are used, such as elastics and springs, to correct bite problems. Because your jaws were forcibly moved, they could go back to their original positioning after the braces were removed. To prevent this and keep your new bite in place, you must wear retainers.

  How Long Should You Wear Retainers?

  Most patients wear their retainers anywhere from 4 months to 2 years—sometimes even more. Your South Houston family dentist will determine how long you should wear retainers. The duration will depend on your age, number of years with braces, and severity of your condition. 

  
  Keeping Your Retainers Clean

  Remember to keep your retainers in a case when you’re not using them, and keep this case accessible to you at all times. You can clean your retainers with a towel or cleaning brush. You may also be directed to soak it in a denture cleaner. Keep your retainers away from extreme heat, pets, and children.

  Schedule an Appointment for South Houston Braces Today!

  At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. We are committed to making your dental experience as stress-free and pleasant as possible. While waiting, you can watch movies and connect to our Wi-Fi while your children play with toys. At our facility, we take hygiene very seriously. We have surgically clean air circulating, and we always sanitize our equipment to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. Ask us about our dental services specials and affordable rates. Visit us today for your concerns with South Houston braces and retainers!